Motion blur is a creative technique that can add a sense of movement and dynamism to your photos. However, capturing it in low light conditions can be challenging, as you need to balance the exposure, focus, and stability of your camera. In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks to achieve stunning motion blur effects in low light photography.
The first step to capture motion blur in low light photography is to decide what you want to blur and what you want to keep sharp. You can either blur the subject, the background, or both, depending on the effect you want to create. For example, you can blur the subject to convey speed, motion, or energy, or you can blur the background to isolate the subject and create a sense of depth. To blur the subject, you need to use a slower shutter speed and keep the camera still. To blur the background, you need to use a faster shutter speed and pan the camera along with the subject.
Motion blur is caused by the subject or the camera moving while the shutter is open. In low-light photography the shutter is open for a longer time by necessity, therefore it is almost guaranteed that you will capture motion blur. If you'd like more motion blur, keep the shutter open for a longer duration -- do that by decreasing the aperture -- or deliberately move the camera while the shutter is open. A better question might be "how do you avoid motion blur when shooting in low light conditions".
The next step is to adjust your camera settings to achieve the desired motion blur effect. The most important setting is the shutter speed, which determines how long the sensor is exposed to light and how much motion is recorded. Generally, the slower the shutter speed, the more motion blur you will get. However, you also need to consider the light level, the speed of the subject, and the focal length of your lens. As a rule of thumb, you can start with a shutter speed of 1/15 or 1/30 of a second and adjust it according to the results. You also need to set the aperture and ISO accordingly to get a proper exposure. The aperture controls the depth of field and the amount of light that enters the lens. The ISO controls the sensitivity of the sensor to light. Generally, you want to use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) and a lower ISO to reduce noise and increase sharpness in low light conditions. However, you may need to increase the aperture (lower f-number) and the ISO if the shutter speed is too slow and the image is too dark.
There is no rule of thumb for low light photography except to use a light meter. Better yet, hire an experienced photographer. If you are interested in understanding the basics of film sensitivity, or how digital sensors have approximated this by giving users an "ISO setting", or how shutter speed and aperture work together, send me a note.
The final step is to use a tripod or a stabilizer to avoid camera shake and ensure sharpness in your photos. Camera shake is the unwanted movement of the camera during the exposure, which can cause blur and loss of detail. This is especially problematic in low light photography, as you need to use slower shutter speeds and longer focal lengths, which magnify the effect of camera shake. To prevent this, you can use a tripod or a stabilizer to hold your camera steady and avoid any vibration. If you don't have a tripod or a stabilizer, you can also use a flat surface, a wall, or a railing to support your camera. Alternatively, you can use the self-timer or a remote control to trigger the shutter and avoid touching the camera.
This is very important. A tripod is almost mandatory to achieve a good motion blur, only skilled and experienced photographers in this kind of photos can do it sometimes without tripod to have only the subject blurred. Also, with the camera on the head of the tripod can be moved to achieve specific goals like blur in the background and subject sharp, but this technique requieres many shoots to get is right. The tripod is a good tool here.
Again there are no rules here. Use a tripod if you like. The process for interpreting a creative brief is dependent on the creative objective. Many experienced photographers can shoot in low light without camera stabilizers. Photography is a creative endeavor and the camera is a tool. Use the tool as you see fit, and hire an experienced photographer who understands the elements that are available to change, the elements that can not be changed and how these elements can be manipulated to achieve the desired effect.
When I was starting my journey in film making and photography I was lucky to spend a lot of time with an amazingly talented Cinematographer named Harris Savides. One day we were shooting an actress as she went through a revolving door and down a flight of stairs. The space was too small for a camera operator and a steadycam, so we watched in awe as Harris cradled the Arri 535 firmly against his body and walked right through the revolving door and down stairs. The final image looked like it was shot with a steadicam. He knew his tools intimately and knew what he was capable of achieving. Experience counts!